Mike Harrelson: Freelance Writer and Marketing Multi-Tool in Bozeman, MT
Mike Harrelson
Freelance Writer and Marketing Multi-Tool
Bozeman | United States
Skills
No information
Interests
Travel
Mentoring
Enviro causes
Giving back
Industries
Bike
Creative Agencies
Lifestyle
Outdoor
Snow
Surf
Summary
Activity
Projects
No information
Work experience
scribe content + communications
Freelance Writer and Marketing Multi-Tool | 01/1995 - Current
Freelance journalist (words + photos) specializing in outdoor, travel, surf/snow and cause-related topics. Articles published in: Outside, Powder, Backpacker, Islands, Backcountry, Freehub, Couloir, Snowboard Journal, Transworld Business, Kronicle, Bombsnow, The Inertia, Huffington Post, American Cowboy, Outside Bozeman and others. Former contributing Editor to Backcountry Magazine. Commercial/copywriting for: Patagonia, Burton, Mountainsmith, Arbor, Mystery Ranch, Life-Link, Perception Kayaks, Montana Tourism and others.
Marketing attaché/consultant: PR/earned media and content producer for quality brands ranging from: Kohala Coast Resort Association (Hawaii's Big Island), Arbor Snowboards, Potosi Hot Springs Resort, CompareSurfboards.com. Sharpening message(s), capturing compelling editorial/earned media coverage, executing smart/engaging social media, monitor and measure w/ most relevant tracking methods.
MercuryCSC
Public Relations Director | 07/2003 - 08/2014
Served as PR Director for 10+ years; agency was chosen by Outside magazine as a "Top-50 Places to Work"? four-consecutive years (2011-2014). Managed all elements of Montana Office of Tourism PR account. Additionally served agency in: creative direction, brand strategy, social media, copywriting/content production, converged campaign execution and new business initiatives.
Accomplishments:
* Built a respected, profitable PR department from the ground up.
* Generated multi-millions ($) annually in destination defining earned media exposure.
* Maintained 100% billability for 10 years.
* Provided creative & art direction for Effie Award winning "There's Nothing Here"? campaign.
* Co-authored copy for Montana's hugely successful "Get Lost" campaign.
* Participated in strategy & presentation to help the agency win key new business pitches.
* Trained, mentored and managed PR/social staff.

Patagonia, Inc.
PR/Media Communications Manager & Snowsports Product Line Director | 01/1987 - 06/2001
Worked with iconic brand through major growth years. In PR role, collaborated with the owners, CEO, and key stakeholders to identify, develop and pitch: brand, product, and environmental initiative stories to the media. Worked with journalists to facilitate editorial coverage at every level of the business. From in-depth interviews with Patagonia's founder, Yvon Chouinard, to coverage of the company's aggressive, generous - sometimes controversial - giving and related activism. Specialized in working with endemic outdoor sports media to garner on-brand exposure for Patagonia's products. My training in this role was from a former-presidential press secretary which was both rigorous & illuminating.
As ski & snowboarding product line manager, worked with the R&D team to develop a complete, merchandised collection. With the marketing/creative teams, I was responsible for developing all elements of the storytelling and promotional campaigns. See Linkedin profile for more deets...
Education history
Virginia Tech
BA | 1979 - 1983
Connections
Companies (0)
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